Q. I have just returned to work after having a baby. Between the demands of my career and my role as a mum, I have little or no time for fashion. I’d love to look glamorous in the latest trends but, at the moment, my wardrobe is more frump than fabulous. Help!
A. Returning to work after having a baby can be a demanding time. So keeping up with the latest fashions becomes a rather low priority - even if you had the time or energy to do it. As if that wasn’t bad enough, there has never been a tougher time in the workplace. Looking your best in the office is not just about getting that promotion - it could simply be about keeping your job. After months off, it's easy to feel like you've forgotten how to dress for work. But with forward planning - and a practice run or two - you can get back into throwing together your work outfits.
A common grumble is that it's hard to find good clothes for the office. Well, not any more. Thanks to television programmes such as Mad Men, fashion has become more form-fitting and formal, again. Sharp tailoring is back in vogue, and it's cool again to match your skirt or pants with your blazer. So much so that leading fashion designers are now catering for working women who are serious about the cut and cloth of their business attire.
Of course, the suit is still the smartest choice for professional women. The two things that really matter when buying one are the cut and the cloth - quality fabrics like pure wool and cashmere mixes and trimmings such as horn buttons. A cheap suit will always look cheap. A single-breasted jacket with a neat shoulder line, gently fitted at the waist, with a slim-fitting skirt that ends below the knee is a classic that will flatter most women. Wear with a silk blouse or silk scarf underneath to soften the look. Trousers, as seen at Chloe, are also one of the "it" pieces this year when it comes to office chic outfits as they can help craft a desk-appropriate look that is sassy yet classy. But one of the key items for your AW10 work wardrobe should be a versatile dress.
A great wardrobe investment is the tunic dress. Honestly, it’s the fashion solution to the credit crunch - a tunic that can be worn three ways and goes with everything else in your wardrobe. The Tunic Dress - was first seen in Roland Mouret's RM collection for autumn/winter. And just like the iconic ’Galaxy’ dress, which gave voluptuous curves and tiny waists to every wearer, the TTD has inspired many similar versions on the High Street. It works as a top tucked into trousers or a high-waisted skirt, as a long tunic worn with leggings or skinny jeans, or as a minidress with statement heels. The TTD can be dressed up or down, styled for the office or a nightclub - just dip into your accessories for a different look every time you wear it.
Belts are also an inexpensive way to update your wardrobe. Most women have a bevy of belts, but they never think to put them on top of suit jackets, even when there are no belt loops. They rarely think to put them on top of trench coats, replacing the belt that came along with the coats. Even as it gets colder, you can wear belts on top of evening coats or winter coats. For this year, think of the slimming looks of the 1950s. Or for more recent inspiration, turn to First Lady Michelle Obama, who is a master at wearing belts. You don't have to have a tiny waist to pull it off. Try a variety of styles: slim, metallic or patent leather. Layer a cardigan over a belted shirt or even belt the cardigan itself - and your wardrobe will be given a whole new lease of life.
Problem solved.
